LIFE's Community Fund

LIFE’s community fund was created as a way for our co-op to further invest in the future of energy by contributing to the communities in which LIFE projects and members are found. The Fund is aimed directly at supporting initiatives aimed at the environment, and especially those engaging youth and furthering their education.

rare Charitable Research Reserve received $1500 from LIFE's Fund in 2017

LIFE has committed to distributing an amount equal to 10% of declared dividends through the Community Fund. Our Community Fund accepts applications on an ongoing basis and awards funds once per year. Applications will be reviewed and recipients selected by the Board of Directors based on a range of criteria (see below). The amount of funding available will vary by year, and special circumstances will be taken into account, so applicants are encouraged to request the amount according to their needs.

Eligibility

Applications from Registered Charities and Incorporated Non-profits are invited, and we also encourage applications from non-incorporated community groups and initiatives. Any one organization cannot receive more than $1,500 in one year. Unincorporated groups and one-off initiatives will be limited to $500 per year.

Selection Criteria

Sector alignment: project is related to energy, renewable energy or the environment

Community benefit: project provides measurable benefits to an identified community or group

Local: project takes place in or impacts communities where LIFE operates (southwestern Ontario generally)

Aligns with LIFE’s values: the board will seek to ensure that the project or organization aligns with the seven co-operative principles, and that funds will be directly used to further the Fund's objectives.

Organizational history, mandate, and personnel, and/or references.

Application Process:

We will announce future application opportunities for our Community Fund as they arise, but generally in the summer season for an application deadline in September. Winners will be announced and presented with their award at our annual general meeting in November, 2017. Recipients will be notified in advance and are encouraged to send a representative to the meeting to receive their awarded funds.

PAST RECIPIENTS:

rare Charitable Research Reserve received $1500 from LIFE in 2017 to upgrade its greenhouse to use less energy and extend its growing season. The greenhouse plays an important role in rare's valuable education and social programs.

Divest Waterloo and Faith & the Common Good were awarded $600 to help enable a presentation of the Chemical Valley Project at the Registry Theatre in Kitchener, March 7, 2018.The Chemical Valley Project, created by Julia Howman and Kevin Matthew Wong,documents the vital work of Indigenous water protectors and land defenders Vanessa and Lindsay Gray for their community, Aamjiwnaang. The Chemical Valley Projectwas a NOW Magazine Summerworks Critics' Pick.

Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) was granted $1500 to enable their Power $aver Network to move forward with its classroom-based energy education CREWkids, which included sponsoring T-shirts for the student participants.